Numerical Analysis of a Masonry Infill (Divided Into Smaller Wallettes) Under in-Plane Cyclic Tests

asonry infill in reinforced concrete frames has been recognised as being a strong factor influ- encing the seismic behaviour of buildings. Therefore, the development of innovative infill systems, coupled with the rigorous study of their behaviour, is of significant importance. Within the framework of the IN- SYSME project (http://www.insysme.eu/), a new infill system was designed and tested. The defining feature of the system, composed of clay units, is the division of the masonry wall into smaller, and thus more flexible, wallettes separated by vertical joints. The frames are subjected to in-plane cyclic shear loading to the point of irreversible damage of the masonry. Subsequently, the experiments are simulated using nonlinear finite ele- ment analysis in an effort to highlight the features of the response of the actual structure, to predict the maxi- mum force and to reproduce the failure modPostprint (published version

Influence of masonry steel reinforcement on the in-plane behavior of infilled rc frames

Numerous typologies for the layout of steel bars in reinforced masonry members have been proposed in the literature and in relevant design codes. Given that such reinforcement can increase the load-bearing capacity and ductility while also reducing the susceptibility to damage of clay block masonry members, it follows that it can also enhance the behavior of such members in their role as infill in reinforced concrete frames. This contribution may be crucial in the structural safety of new and existing reinforced concrete structures in seismic prone areaPostprint (published version

Innovative systems for earthquake resistant masonry enclosures in RC buildings

The Commission of the European Communities has recently funded a research project for the benefit of Associations of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME-AGs), aimed at developing innovative systems for masonry enclosures. More in general, the project deals with external partition systems for reinforced concrete framed buildings, such as infill walls and envelopes, and with internal partitions. The project involves sixteen partners from seven European countries, among which there are seven universities and research centres, five industrial associations, and four small and medium enterprises. In the present contribution, an overview of the main objectives and steps of the project is given. A general summary of the various construction systems that are being developed and designed is given. The future developments in terms of experimental programs, numerical analyses, and final expected outcomes of the project are described

Assessment of innovative solutions for non-load bearing masonry enclosures

This paper presents some of the results of the research project “Masonry Enclosures” developed in the framework of the transnational access (TA) to LNEC’s triaxial shake table within the FP7 project SERIES.In order to ensure that in-plane and out-of-plane damage of masonry infill walls due to seismic actions complies with the performance levels’ requirements, Eurocode 8 imposes the use of reinforced solutions. Nevertheless, it does not provide any design rules or methodologies for such reinforced masonry enclosures. An experimental programme was thus defined for assessing the response of innovative solutions for non-load bearing masonry enclosures using LNEC’s triaxial shake table. Two reinforcement solutions were tested on single leaf clay brick infill walls: (i) horizontal reinforcement in the bedding planes of the masonry units and (ii) reinforced mortar coating. Furthermore, a testing device for masonry infill panels was specifically conceived for this project. A detailed description of the methods used is given and the experimental results are partially presented and interpreted on the basis of the structural response and its evolution with damage.(undefined

The Growing Infrastructure Crisis: The Challenge of Scour Risk Assessment and the Development of a New Sensing System

Scour action is one of the main factors that add significant stress to the growing infrastructure crisis as it is considered one of the most destructive flood-related hazards occurring around underwater foundation elements. Recent cases of bridge failures have highlighted the need for a reliable scour monitoring and early warning system to assess flood and geo-hazards in real-time, providing advanced key info for repair and maintenance actions. Despite the past efforts to provide such a system for scour assessment, most of the developed instruments were not able to offer a reliable solution for scour monitoring, due to technical and cost issues. As a result, there currently exists a gap in the knowledge and understanding of scour mechanism during flood incidents. This study presents the development of a new sensing system to assess hydro-hazards at bridge infrastructure. It initially focuses on factors contributing to the growing infrastructure crisis and provides an overview of the current practices and assessment procedures to assess scour processes and a summary of advantages and limitations of existing monitoring efforts. A new monitoring concept for assessing scour and sediment deposition processes is then presented focusing on modelling the geometric components of a new sensor which is evaluated in simulations under different environments that represent prospective field conditions. Main results are analysed and presented focusing on key criteria that maximize sensitivity of the sensor to scour and sedimentation processes. The obtained results indicate that the sensor has the potential to provide a new monitoring device for scour and sediment deposition monitoring, and it is proposed to be further developed and assessed in laboratory and field conditions. This study aspires to contribute to the ongoing discourse on the use of sensing techniques to monitor, assess, and manage scour action effectively

The Growing Infrastructure Crisis: The Challenge of Scour Risk Assessment and the Development of a New Sensing System

Scour action is one of the main factors that add significant stress to the growing infrastructure crisis as it is considered one of the most destructive flood-related hazards occurring around underwater foundation elements. Recent cases of bridge failures have highlighted the need for a reliable scour monitoring and early warning system to assess flood and geo-hazards in real-time, providing advanced key info for repair and maintenance actions. Despite the past efforts to provide such a system for scour assessment, most of the developed instruments were not able to offer a reliable solution for scour monitoring, due to technical and cost issues. As a result, there currently exists a gap in the knowledge and understanding of scour mechanism during flood incidents. This study presents the development of a new sensing system to assess hydro-hazards at bridge infrastructure. It initially focuses on factors contributing to the growing infrastructure crisis and provides an overview of the current practices and assessment procedures to assess scour processes and a summary of advantages and limitations of existing monitoring efforts. A new monitoring concept for assessing scour and sediment deposition processes is then presented focusing on modelling the geometric components of a new sensor which is evaluated in simulations under different environments that represent prospective field conditions. Main results are analysed and presented focusing on key criteria that maximize sensitivity of the sensor to scour and sedimentation processes. The obtained results indicate that the sensor has the potential to provide a new monitoring device for scour and sediment deposition monitoring, and it is proposed to be further developed and assessed in laboratory and field conditions. This study aspires to contribute to the ongoing discourse on the use of sensing techniques to monitor, assess, and manage scour action effectively

Numerical analysis of the out-of-plane response of two new systems for masonry infills

he out-of-plane behaviour of two new systems for infill walls, made of clay masonry units, is numerically investigated. The two systems were developed within the INSYSME project. In the first system the enclosure wall is divided into smaller wallettes by means of soft vertical joints, whereas in the second sys- tem horizontal and vertical reinforcement is provided. In the latter system, a special brick unit, capable of ac- commodating steel reinforcement and electrical and plumbing installations, was designed. In both systems, simple sliding connectors are arranged to prevent the out-of-plane collapse of the infills. An experimental campaign was carried out, involving repeated out-of-plane tests on infilled frames. The walls were subjected to distributed loads, applied through the use of a specially designed steel frame. Both systems exhibited significant capacity for load bearing and deformation.Postprint (published version

Shake-Table Testing of a Cross Vault

Domes, vaults and arches are structural components of high vulnerability, due to the horizontal component of the thrust they impose to the supporting vertical elements (piers or walls), accentuated by the asymmetry of loading due to seismic actions. In order to explore the possibilities of reducing this vulnerability, a cross vault made of brickwork and supported by two stone masonry walls was tested on the earthquake simulator. A series of seismic tests was performed to the specimen at its as-built state, as well as after strengthening using techniques adequate for monuments, namely, grouting of piers, arrangement of struts/ties at the base of the cross vault and vertical prestressing of the masonry piers. The tests have confirmed the vulnerability of the original specimen, as well as the improvement of its behavior after strengthening, in terms of sustained maximum base acceleration, deformations and observed damage

Shake-Table Testing of a Cross Vault

Domes, vaults and arches are structural components of high vulnerability, due to the horizontal component of the thrust they impose to the supporting vertical elements (piers or walls), accentuated by the asymmetry of loading due to seismic actions. In order to explore the possibilities of reducing this vulnerability, a cross vault made of brickwork and supported by two stone masonry walls was tested on the earthquake simulator. A series of seismic tests was performed to the specimen at its as-built state, as well as after strengthening using techniques adequate for monuments, namely, grouting of piers, arrangement of struts/ties at the base of the cross vault and vertical prestressing of the masonry piers. The tests have confirmed the vulnerability of the original specimen, as well as the improvement of its behavior after strengthening, in terms of sustained maximum base acceleration, deformations and observed damage